I recently experienced a square peg, round hole event. I decided to try to create a story in a genre that I dabble in, but am not fluent in. Let me pontificate.
I was searching through one of the 'brick and mortar' websites to gain some information for another writer. I noticed the site was sponsoring a contest for writers of Science Fiction. There was no entry fee which, in itself, is unusual. The particulars, as outlined, indicated a story of no more than 8,000 words, and happening in the next 50 to 60 years. It must show the technological improvements in space travel and how far the writer believes the space industry will have progressed.
No problem, I thought. After all, I have a couple stories set in future timelines. I'll just do a little research, whip out thirty pages or so and call it good.
Not exactly what happened. I trotted out several story ideas to my spouse, and he was very positive and certain I could make the grade; however, I was having a hard time putting ideas to paper in a manner I felt comfortable with. After fussing, pushing and pulling the storyline, I was flummoxed.
So much so, I made myself sick. Spend one full day of the holiday weekend in bed feeling lousy.
When I finally pulled my thoughts together, I sat at my desk and opened the current Dragon story I'm writing. Words flowed and ideas rushed to the front of my brain. I had to conclude this square peg is a fantasy peg and doesn't fit in the hard Science Fiction hole. The moment I allowed the idea to seep into my head, I relaxed. Darn right! I do fantasy pretty well. So I shall continue writing about my dragons, warrior gnomes and cranky night elves. Someone else can shoot rockets to Mars.
Sable Angel
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